People are rushed to the hospital emergency room for all sorts of unavoidable injuries, whether they got hit by a car or injured while playing sports.
Then there are the injuries and other conditions that emergency physicians treat regularly that are often preventable — but may not be obvious to the rest of us. Are there especially dangerous actions we can stop doing? What simple steps can reduce the risk of injury and serious harm?
I turned to CNN wellness contributor Dr. Leana Wen, a board-certified emergency physician who has seen a lot in her line of work, to learn what five things people should stop doing to reduce their odds of an emergency department visit. Wen is also an adjunct associate professor at George Washington University and previously served as Baltimore’s health commissioner.
Injuries due to micromobility devices used for transportation and leisure increased by an average of 23% annually between 2017 and 2022, according to the report. Children 14 years and younger accounted for more than one-third of injuries due to these devices. Between 2017 and 2022, there were an estimated 360,800 ER visits related to e-scooters, e-bikes and the like.
Other studies have found that e-scooter injuries resulting in ER visits increased dramatically following the availability of shared e-scooter programs. In one hospital, ER visits for these injuries increased sixfold within less than three years.
I’m not actually advising people to stay away from all these devices but to use them safely. Always wear a helmet when riding a micromobility device, and never use one when under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Kids should be supervised when riding one.
Before using shared devices, make sure you know how to use the model. Check for damage and make sure the brakes, tires, frame, handlebars and other key components are intact. Follow manufacturer instructions: If they say that only one person should use the device, do not transport another rider.
